Born & raised in Harlem, NYC, Courtney "Ceejaye" Jones was raised around art, culture, and diversity. She was a self taught artist until the age of 23, when she attended her first formal makeup class. Her love for makeup and skincare began however in her teen years. Her mother, grandmother, and her numerous village of "aunties & godmothers" used to constantly keep up with the cosmetic trends. She naturally followed suit. "I wore berry lipstick to school, for the first time when I was in the 11th grade. I remember begin scared out my ass to pull off something that in private school, was pretty 'balsy'. I can remember the weird stares from the teachers ALL. DAY. LONG. but I also remember one of my homegirls telling me that I was cute! She even asked me to take a picture. That compliment was was I needed at such a difficult time to be a young girl in New York. To this day, I have that photo archived in my memory. That day, something in me lit up. I knew that makeup had the power to make someone's true self come to form. You see, makeup enhances not only the outer, but the inner self. I happen to find that extremely special & enjoy being a part of that process." 12 years ago, Ceejaye decided to officially lauch her brand "Makeup By Ceejaye". It has grown the old fashioned way - via word of mouth, and referrals. She began assisting artists, soaking in the information received, testing products, and building a portfolio to include editorial photo shoots,
Since her start in 2005, Ceejaye she has worked along noted photographers and fellow artists from vast levels in the industry in over 6 states & 8 cities in the US. She has worked on countless photo shoots, runways shows, films, and special occasions for both local and national clients. Her celebrity clientele includes the likes of “Orange is the New Black” break out star, Laverne Cox, HSN Host Lynette Gonzales, Patience of the Neo Soul Duo "BOOMscat," and has received instruction from Celebrity Artists Renny Vasquez, Reggie Wells & Tatiana "BeatfaceHoney" Ward.
Ceejaye currently is working in addition to freelancing, with the dedicated team of experts at Estee Lauder, the leading retailer in high end cosmetics, skincare & fragrance. She has been with the team for well over a year, where she has since become a trained & certified artist & skincare advisor. This experience, paired with the passion to always bring out the best in every face her hands touch, is why she has always and will continue to push herself until she is considered a leading Makeup Artist & Beauty Guru
Since her start in 2005, Ceejaye she has worked along noted photographers and fellow artists from vast levels in the industry in over 6 states & 8 cities in the US. She has worked on countless photo shoots, runways shows, films, and special occasions for both local and national clients. Her celebrity clientele includes the likes of “Orange is the New Black” break out star, Laverne Cox, HSN Host Lynette Gonzales, Patience of the Neo Soul Duo "BOOMscat," and has received instruction from Celebrity Artists Renny Vasquez, Reggie Wells & Tatiana "BeatfaceHoney" Ward.
Ceejaye currently is working in addition to freelancing, with the dedicated team of experts at Estee Lauder, the leading retailer in high end cosmetics, skincare & fragrance. She has been with the team for well over a year, where she has since become a trained & certified artist & skincare advisor. This experience, paired with the passion to always bring out the best in every face her hands touch, is why she has always and will continue to push herself until she is considered a leading Makeup Artist & Beauty Guru